The Ducati team have released an official video of Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden testing out next year’s Ducati GP12 machine. Rossi and Hayden got to test the new bike over two days at Jerez – Rossi first, then Hayden.

Video of Valentino Rossi on the Ducati GP12:

Valentino Rossi gave his impressions and said:
“I’m happy. I like the GP12. In my opinion, it’s more enjoyable, more fun to ride. It was the first time we had it on the track, so we had some work to do, but the engine is nicer. It’s a lot of fun, and you can do some nice slides. It’s the bike we’ll ride next year, so it was very important—and also very nice—to be among the first to take it on the track.”

Filippo Preziosi said:
“We chose to have our factory riders, today Vale, tomorrow Nicky to try the bike beginning with its first test, because we think their feedback is essential for starting us on the right path for the early development. To be able to work with Vale for a full day is more than any technician could ask. We gathered considerable feedback that we’ll translate into further design and development for next year’s bike. The positive thing is that the technical choices made for the GP12 in the initial planning phase, in 2010—and I’m referring primarily to the engine, which is still a big-bang, and to the rear end—were endorsed by Valentino. This gives us great satisfaction, and we’re optimistic about the work that still remains to be done. We know that our competitors are also working hard and developing their 2012 bikes, but that just makes the challenge better.”

Nicky Hayden was faced with damp and overcast conditions for his test day, but despite the weather he still mamaged to do 61 laps on the GP12.

Nicky Hayden on the GP12:

Nicky Hayden said:
“When I woke up this morning, the sky was really gray and the track was completely wet. I was pretty disappointed. I didn’t think we’d be able to do anything because it wouldn’t have made sense to waste a day testing in those conditions. The situation got better and better though, and after lunch, I was able to put on my leathers. I couldn’t wait to ride, and it was worth the wait. It’s an honor to be able to participate in the first track test of the GP12 because it doesn’t happen very often that you get to ride a bike on the track for the first time: it’s a special feeling. Everything went well, and we didn’t have a single problem: the motor is really nice to use, and I had a lot of fun riding the bike. I hope I gave some useful feedback to Filippo and the boys. I know they’ll be working on this bike while we go back to focusing on the next race, because this season just started.”

Popularity: 1% [?]

Subscribe to the post comments feeds or Leave a trackback